The first Christmas in the era of Covid will virtually begin as early as December 3, when the last Prime Minister's Decree (Dpcm) will expire and the new anti-virus provisions will be established, also valid for the holiday period.
Some of which are beginning to take shape: if the data allows it, it will be possible to move between the regions, while it is assumed that there will be no exceptions for parties and gatherings in the square on New Year's Eve.
Several ministers, starting with that of Health Roberto Speranza, and experts, have been repeating for days that for the moment the debate on Christmas is a "surreal" debate;
but it was Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte a few days ago, without prejudice to the central and decisive role that the data on each decision will play, to indicate what the government's line will be: "we must prepare for a more sober Christmas; , celebrations, kisses and hugs will not be possible ".
However, this does not mean total closure, which would be equivalent to giving the final blow to tourism and to thousands of commercial activities that collect more than 30% of annual turnover during the Christmas period.
"We think it will be possible to exchange gifts - said Conte - and allow the economy" to grow.
The formula with which the measures will be decided has not yet been established, it being understood that the system of Italy divided into bands should not be abandoned.
The most current hypothesis is that there is a Dpcm for the period from 3 December until close to Christmas and one for the actual holidays.
Shopping for Christmas purchases will be allowed, with shops that will be able to remain open during a wider time slot to avoid crowds.
There will also be the opening of shopping centers on weekends and public holidays and entrances will be limited not only to shops but also to streets and squares, especially in some large cities and on weekends.
Evening opening also for restaurants and pubs while for the dinner at home there will be recommendations and not prohibitions, which are inapplicable: it is plausible that there cannot be more than six at the table, so at most only cohabitants and close relatives.
"This Christmas - confirms Undersecretary for Health Sandra Zampa - we must strive to be as few as possible" because "the more the circle of people who do not usually frequent is enlarged, the greater the risk".
So "I guess you can say 5-6 people maximum, but it is obvious that it will not be possible to control it".
As for the movements, forbidden in the red areas and limited in the orange ones, even between regions the return to residence or domicile will always be allowed, but an exodus from north to south is not expected comparable to that of last March before the lockdown.
"There are 40 days to Christmas and at this moment the epidemiological data tell us that we cannot move between Regions" Zampa emphasizes, but opens: "We expect the numbers to improve and therefore exceptions are possible".
Finally, as regards the curfew, currently set at 10pm throughout Italy, it could be moved to 11pm or midnight, but for the evening of the 24th and for that of 31st there is also the possibility that it can reach 1am .
On the other hand, no derogation will be granted for events in the square or in other meeting places, nor for private parties.
Especially for New Years.
"Square gatherings and parties will not be allowed - confirms Zampa - those days will also be adequately regulated because, unlike this summer, there will be no exceptions. We cannot imagine a third wave".
The objective of the government and of the regional presidents for the moment is however another: to ensure that most of the regions can move back from the red and orange zones in order to arrive at December 3 with a large part of Italy in the yellow zone. .
But even if this is the case, the rules must be clear: "we made a 'free all' summer and we paid hard - remembered CTS coordinator Agostino Miozzo two days ago - and therefore we cannot afford a 'free all' Christmas '. "
